Display device



May 17, 1938. R. s. GOING 2,117,832

DISPLAY DEVICE Filed Nov. 1;, 1936 s Sheets-Sheet 1 /NE/'/\/ 70% Russell 5. 60mg TTQA/f) May 17, 1938. R. s. @oms fl y I DISPLAY DEVICE Filed Nov. 13, 1935 s Sheets-Sheet '2 f/v ME Puss-3e 4 May 17, 1938. R s, mg I 2,117,882

DISPLAY DEVICE Filed Nov. 13, 1936 3-Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented May 17, 1938 UNITED STATES rarer QFFICE 11 Claims.,

My invention more particularly relates to a display device Comprising a rotatable platform on which objects of various character may be displayed, and which may serve also as an advertising medium.

Display devices of the foregoing general character have hitherto been suggested. Devices of this character so far as I am aware, however, have either been continuously rotated or, when 16 the movement has been intermittent, the period of turning as well as the period of rest of the platform have been constant with no possibility of varying the period of turning or the period of rest or the relative periods of the two With- I5, out changing expensive gears or other machined parts.

One of the objects of my invention is the provision of a display and advertising device comprising a platform in which the rotary move- 20 ment of the platform is intermittent, a period of rotation of the platform being succeeded by a period of rest, and'in which the periods of movement and of rest may be adjusted without change of machined parts and by a simple adjustment of 25 parts forming a part of the same unitary machine.

A further object of my invention is the provision of a device of the foregoing character which is simple, comparatively cheap and efficient in operation, and which does not involve the use of expensive machined parts.

A further object of my invention is the provision of a plurality of units of the foregoing character preferably arranged side-by-side and driv- 35 en by a single actuating member and which may be caused to move in unison and may also readily be adjusted to move in any desired angular relationship.

A further object of my invention is the provision of a device of the foregoing character in which a unit of the foregoing character is provided with a screen mounted on the platform or a plurality of screens mounted upon a plurality of respective platforms and which may be rotated in any desired relationship by making a simple adjustment. A plurality of units comprising a plurality of screens may thus be caused to make perfect stops with the screens in perfect alignment which makes possible the carrying of 50 one display or advertising subject which will divide into parts, depending upon the number of units and reassemble the screens in perfect alignment to form another complete display or advertisement. Such a result is not possible with other 55 rotatable devices with which I am familiar in,

which wear, back lash in gears and other causes would prevent perfect aligning of the screens.

A still further object of my invention is the provision of a plurality of units, a platform or some of the platforms of which are disposed 5' horizontally and others of which are arranged at an angle thereto, the two platforms or sets of platforms being rotated in timed relation and in such a way that when an object or objects are displayed on the horizontal platforms, the platform which is arranged at an angle thereto serves to convey desired information with respect to the objects so displayed.

Other objects of my invention will appear in the specification and the novel features will be particularly pointed out in the. claims.

My invention will best be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings in which I have illustrated the preferred embodiment thereof and certain modifications thereof and in which Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a platform and the associated parts;

Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view taken along the line 22 of Fig. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 3 is a side view of a trigger unit which is secured to the lower side of the platform;

Fig. 4 is a bottom plan view of the unit illustrated in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a plan view of two units which are driven by a common actuating'element;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary inverted plan view of a modified form of my invention;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of side-by-side platforms on each of which a vertically disposed screen is mounted and extending transversely across the associated platform;

Fig. 8 is a side view of a modification, and

Fig. 9 is a front View of a mask which is mounted in front of the Vertically disposed platform.

Like reference characters indicate like parts throughout the drawings.

Referring first to Figs. 1 and 2, I0 is a base plate to which is secured, as by screws I la, a supporting base I I for a display unit embodying my invention. In the illustrated embodiment of my invention, the supporting base is provided with a threaded recess l2 in which is received the lower threaded end l3l of a non-rotatable shaft I3.

A rotatable platform M is provided with a support i5 secured to the lower side thereof as by screws Hit. The lower end of the said support is received in a recess IS in the upper side of a collar 5 H which issecured to the shaft as by a set screw I8, a suitable thrust bearing, preferably in the form of a ball bearing is being interposed be tween the lower end of said support I5 and the bottom of the recess H5. The lower side of the platform Hi is preferably provided with a recess 20 in which the upper end of the shaft I3 is received. A ball bearing 2| is interposed between the bottom of the platform l4 and the bottom of a recess 22 formed in the upper side of the support !5, the ball bearing being arranged to receive the lateral thrust due to any tendency of the shaft I3 to move from the vertical position because of an unsymmetrical load which may be imposed thereon.

The platform 54 is rotated from any suitable source of power which is here illustrated as a drive shaft 23 provided with a worm 24 which engages a worm wheel 25 revolubly mounted .on the shaft i3. Said worm wheel is provided with a hub 25!, a ball thrust bearing 26 being interposed between the lower end of the said hub and the upper side of the upper end of the support H.

The platform is rotated by an arm 21 secured to said worm gear !4 as by screws 28. The lower side of said platform is provided with a plurality of triggers, indicated generally at 29, and 23! which are located in the path of movement of the arm 2?. Each of thetriggers, in the embodiment of my invention illustrated, comprises a bell crank indicated generally at 30, one arm 31 of which is provided near its end with a downwardly extending pin 32 preferably provided with a roller 33 which is normally located in the.

path of movement of the arm 2'! and which brings about the rotation of the platform. A

sleeve 35 (Fig. 3) surrounds a head 35 on the lower sideof a plate 35 which is secured to the lower side of the platform as by screws 36!. sleeve 34 is provided with a circumferential slot 37 through which a set screw 33 passes and by which the sleeve 34 may be adjustably secured on the head. The lower edge of the sleeve is pro- Vided with a downwardly extending lug 39 which forms a stop for the arm 3!. screw 38, sleeve 3% may be turned and set to prevent the trigger and arm 3! from turning .too far.

A set screw on arm Ml of the bell crank allows the movement of arm 41! on arm 3! to adjust the release of the trigger. It should be noted that arm 2'! extends in a radial direction and, therefore, forms an acute angle with arm 3! when in engagement with roller 33., with the result that there is no tendency of the roller to slip from the end of the arm 21 during the rotation of the platform. The other arm 40 'of the trigger is provided with a cam surface 4!, which engages a fixed trip d2 thereby causing a rotation of the bell crank which rotates the trigger and moves the roller 33 out of the path of movement of the arm 21. 1

In the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, trigger 29 is interconnected with trigger 29! in such a way that when trigger 29 is moved to an open or inoperative position, the trigger 29! is moved to a closed, operative position. In the form here shown, two links 43 and 43! are pivotally connected at their free ends to the arms 3! of the bell cranks, while their other ends are connected together as shown in Fig. 2, the connected ends of the said links preferably being provided with intersecting slots 44, a rivet or belt 15 passing through said slots and securing the two together so that the relative positions of the two interconnected triggers may be ad- The.

By loosening set justed. Referring to Fig. 2, it will be noted that when the trigger 293 is tripped by engagement of the arm 46 with the trip 472, the connecting links are moved to the right, thereby rotating the trigger 2 counterclockwise to a closed or operative position and to a position to bring the roller 33 into the path of movement of the arm 2'5. In accordance with my invention, means are preferably provldedfor positively arresting the movement of the platform when the trigger is tripped. In the embodiment of my invention here shown the upper end of the fixed trip d2 is provided with a cap itpreferably formed of soft rubber or the like which engages the under side of the platform and, creates sufficient friction to stop the rotation of the platform when a given trigger is tripped.

The operation of the device shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is as follows: Assuming that the arm 2'! is in engagement with the roller 33 and is rotating the platform, then when the trigger reaches the fixed trip 42, the trip engages the cam sur face on the arm M3, and the trigger is rotated, thereby releasing the roller 33 from engagement with the arm and the friction cap 46 promptly arrests the movement of the platform. The arm 2! then continues its rotation for a half revolution, in the embodiment illustrated, the platform remaining at rest in the meantime and when the arm-arrives at the position at the left as viewed in Fig. 2 it engages the roller on the trigger it! and then rotates the platform for a half revolution. While I have illustrated the two triggers asangularly displaced 180 degrees around the platform it will, of course, be understood that they may be arranged at any desired angle. The trips could, for example, be displaced by 90 de grees in which case the platform could be rotated through 90 degrees and remain at rest 270 degrees, while the arm is rotated 270 degrees and vice versa, While'I'have illustrated two triggers only, it will be understood that three or more triggers may be connected together in such a way as to create any desired relative periods of rotation and rest of the platform. Furthermore, it will be understood that the platform may be equipped with a single trigger cooperating with a single trip, in which case the platform would make one complete rotation when the. arm 27 engages the trigger, and at the end of the rotation the trigger would be tripped and then the platform would remain at rest while the arm 2! makes a second complete revolution.

In the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Fig. 6, the triggers are not interconnected. Instead, means are provided for returning the triggers to their closed positions as soon as they have been tripped. A coil spring 41 is connected at one end to thefree end of the arm 3! of the bell crank of the trigger and its opposite end is connected to a fixed element 48 so that as soon as the trigger is tripped by the member 32, the trigger is returned to its closed position by the spring 41. The operation of the device illustrated in Fig 6. is essentially the same as that illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 as will readily be understood. When the platform is equipped with two triggers assuming that the trigger is in engagement with the roller 33, after a half revolution the trigger is tripped and the arm 21 makes a half revolution while the platform remains at rest for a half revolution. I prefer the arrangement illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, however, for the reason that the platform is always stopped at a fixed, predetermined position.

In the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Fig. 5, I have illustrated a plurality of units here shown as two in number, arranged side-byside, the platforms of the two units being actuated by a common shaft 23f preferably provided with a flexible coupling 232 between the two shaft sec tions, each shaft section being provided with a worm24l engaging the worm gear of the associated unit. In the form of my invention here illustrated, it will be understood that the two platforms may be rotated in any desired relation. The embodiment of myinvention here illustrated is particularly useful in the arrangemerit shown in Fig.7 in which the platforms are provided with upwardly directed screens 49 extending across the upper sides of the platforms and also preferably, though not necessarily, in-

cluding the axes of the platforms. In the form here shown, the device is also preferably provided with a frame indicated generally at 50 and comprising a casing the upper side of which is provided with circular openings 52 for the respective platforms M which are preferably flush with the top of the casing, the operating mechanism being disposed below the top of said casing. The frame 50 also preferably comprises a vertical portion 53 provided with an opening 54 just large enough to enclose the plurality of screens and the top and side walls of which are aligned with the screens when they are at rest and form a closed partition throughout, as illustrated in Fig. 7.

The device above described is adapted to a great variety of uses. It may, for example, be

used as a display and advertising device for promoting interest in making maple syrup and maple sugar and the sale thereof, in which case displays would be placed on the respective platforms representing stages in the manufacture. The first platform (preferably one of the end platforms) would be provided with a display representing the first step in the manufacture of the maple syrup, the second a display representing a succeeding stage and the third the last stage in the manufacture. The displays would be placed on the respective platforms and concealed behind the screens. When the first platform is rotated through 180 degrees, and then stopped, the first display is brought into viewat the front and then remains stationary for a predetermined time, and then when rotated to a position out of view the next display representing the next successive stage is brought into View and remains in view for a desired period of time, and then the third display is brought into view, it being understood, of course, that when the display representing a given stage of manufacture has been exhibited, it may be removed when it is rotated to a position behind the screen. It will be understood that the angular position of an arm 21 may be adjusted by simply raising the worm gear with the arm 2! attached until it disengages the worm, turned to the desired position and then pressed down to engage the worm. The platforms may, for ex ample, be made to rotate in unison, or a given platform may be made to rotate and after a desired period of rotation, the next platform caused to rotate, and then the third in accordance with the character of the display that is to be made.

While I have particularly described the manufacture of maple syrup and maple sugar, it will, of course, be understood that this use is only illustrative, as the device is equally applicable for the exhibition of dresses, cloaks, etc. by the use of models, the model stepping onto the platform at the rear when this portion of the platform is concealed and, after being displayed again, stepping from the platform when she is concealed at the rear of the platform behind the screen. The device may, in fact, be employed to advantage for a very great variety of purposes.

The flexibility of the device embodying my invention is further illustrated by the modification in Figs. 7, 8, and 9. A horizontal platform I4 is mounted in an opening 52 in a frame as in Fig. '7, and is actuated'by the drive shaft 23, worm and worm gear in the manner already described. A vertical shaft 55 is geared to the drive shaft 23 by means of bevel gears 56 and 51 and the shaft 55 through the worm and Worm gear actuates the platform I4 I. In the form here shown, the platform MI is thus arranged at an angle and preferably at a right angle to the horizontal platform $4. In front of the vertical platform is disposed a fixed mask 58 (Fig. 9) having a cut-away portion or window 59, through which the platform 14! is visible. Now, by placing a display, for example canned tomatoes, on the horizontal platform, and printing on the platform I4! or on a card carried thereby the price of the article and suitably timing the movements of the two platforms, the price of the article so displayed may be viewed by the spectator at the same time that he sees the given article. It will, of course, be understood, that a plurality of units placed sideby-side as in Fig. 7 may similarly be provided and in which the price of various articles on display may be successively exhibited.

While I have described my invention in its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the words which I have used are words of description and not of limitation. Hence, changes within the purview of the appended claims may be made without departing from the true scope and spirit of my invention in its broader aspects.

What I claim is:

1. In a display device, a support, a rotatable platform mounted on said support, a trigger secured to said platform, a rotatable actuating element comprising an outwardly extending arm engageable with said trigger for rotating said platform, means for rotating said actuating element, and means fixed with respect to said support and located in the path of movement of said trigger for releasing the engagement between said actuating element and said trigger.

2. In a display device, a support, a rotatable platform mounted on said support, a plurality of triggers mounted on said platform in spaced relation thereon, a rotatable actuating element comprising an outwardly extending arm successively engageable with said triggers, and means fixed with respect to said support and located in the path of movement of said triggers for releasing the engagement between said arm and the associated trigger, and interconnecting means between said triggers for moving one of said triggers into the path of movement of said arm when the other trigger is released.

3. In a display device, a rotatable platform provided with a plurality of triggers secured thereto in angularly spaced relation, means whereby said triggers may be adjustably secured to and spaced around said platform, rotatable actuating element engageable with said triggers for rotating said platform, means for rotating said actuating element and fixed means located in the path of movement of said triggers for releasing the same from engagement with said actuating element whereby an intermittent movement is imparted to said platform.

4. In a display device, a rotatable platform provided with a plurality of triggers secured thereto in spaced relation around the same, a rotatable actuating element engageable with said triggers for rotating said platform, means for rotating said actuating element, fixed means located in the path of movement of said triggers for releasing the engagement between said actuating element and said triggers, and means responsive to the movement of one of said triggers to open position for moving another of said triggers to closed position.

5. In a display device, a rotatable platform provided with a plurality of triggers secured thereto in spaced relation around. the same, a rotatable actuating element engageable with said triggers for rotating said platform, means for rotating said actuating element, fixed means located in the path of movement of said triggers for releasing the engagement between said actuating element and said triggers, and interconnecting means between said triggers constructed and arranged to move one of said triggers to closed position when another trigger is moved to open position. 7

6. In a display device, a rotatable platform provided with a plurality of triggers secured thereto in spaced relation around the same, a rotatable actuating element engageable with said triggers for rotating said platform, means for rotating said actuating element, fixed means located in the path of movement of said triggers for releasing the engagement between said actuating elements and said triggers, and interconnecting means between said triggers and comprising two links connected to the respective triggers and adjustably connected together, said interconnecting means being constructed and arranged to move one of said triggers to closed position when another trigger is moved to open position.

7. In a display device, a platform provided with a plurality of triggers secured thereto in spaced relation around said platform, each of said triggers comprising a bell crank, one arm of which is provided with a projecting member and the other arm of which is provided with acam surface, an actuating element comprising a rotatable arm, means for rotating said arm, said projection being disposed, when said trigger is in closed position, in the path of movement of said arm, and a fixed trip located in the path of movement of said cam surface whereby a given trigger and the platform to which it is secured are rotated when said arm engages said projecting member and the trigger is tripped and the movement of said platform arrested when said trip engages said cam surface.

8. In a device of the character described, a rotatable platform provided with a plurality of triggers secured thereto, a rotatable actuating element successively engageable with the respective triggers for rotating said platform, means for rotating said actuating element, fixed means located in the path of movement of said triggers for releasing the engagement between said actuating element and said triggers, and means forarresting the movement of said platform when the engagement between said actuating element and a given trigger is released.

9. In a device of the character described, a plurality of side-by-side rotatable platforms, a

common driving element for rotating said platforms, and rotatable actuating members interposed between said driving element and the respective platforms and disengageable from said driving element and rotatable independently thereof, whereby said platforms may be angularly adjusted with respect to each other.

10. In a device of the character described, a plurality of side-by-side rotatable platforms, triggers mounted on the respective platforms, rotatable actuating elements engageable with the respective triggers on said platforms, fixed means located in the path of movement of the respec tive triggers for releasing the engagement between said actuating elements and the associated triggers, a common drive member for operating said actuating elements in timed relation, and means whereby the relative positions of said actuating elements may be adjusted.

11. In a display device, a rotatable platform provided with a trigger comprising a bell crank provided with a projection extending from said bell crank at an angle thereto, a-fixed trip engageable with said projection, and means for normally retaining said bell crank in a position where said trip is engageable with said projection.

' RUSSELL S. GOING. 

